Sena 'sabotages' union leader's plans, Mumbai to be normal

, Feb 20: The

allegedly played a key role in sabotaging union leader Sharad Rao's plans of making the two-day

a success here. Sources said it did so by winning support of many key members of the state-level federation of the unions and Rao, known for his militant trade unionism, was left isolated.

As a result, the nation's financial capital is set to witness a normal life in these two days of strike. Public transport will be normal and people across the society will have a usual day of earning bread. BEST buses will have grills on their windows as a precaution.

Rao's sudden U-turn occurred on Tuesday morning when he withdrew his support for the bandh and said although there would be an industrial strike, but it would not hamper normal life in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane.

Sources said the reason for Rao's volte-face was Shiv Sena's rally held on Monday where several important members of the Kamgar Sangathana Kriti Samiti, a state-level workers' body, joined hands with Sena president Uddhav Thackeray who stood only for industrial bandh. Thackeray had promised the citizens of Mumbai that essential services would not be disrupted during the bandh. Rao's cupporters would still stage dharnas in some industries in Tarapore and parts of Navi Mumbai.

A disappointed Rao had no other option but to toe the majority pline of preference. And withdrew call for transport and other strikes. He, nevertheless, criticised the federation members for backing Thackeray.

Rao, who welcomed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's decision to appoint a high-profile committee to look into the issues of the central trade unions. He, however, added that the Centre must act on this matter within three months or they would resume their agitation.

The union leader said his union colleagues were ready to pay a day's salary for relief in the drought-hit state, provided the employer also made an equal contribution.

OneIndia News